Political Science
| Development Problems of the Third World
Y343 | 3300 | Stryker

The Third World encompasses three-quarters of humankind across more
than 120 countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Third World also
demarcates a field of political-economic study (development and
underdevelopment) and a domain of ethical concern (global poverty and
inequality). This is not an area studies course but an exploration of major
contemporary development problems across regions, followed by a set of case
studies.
The objectives of the course are empathetic, analytical and
prescriptive. Students should become better enabled to evaluate
controversies (empirical and ethical) over development alternatives, and to
place "news" from and about the Third World into clearer perspective.
Lectures and readings presuppose both some background in the social
sciences and some knowledge of contemporary international affairs. The
course is designed for juniors and seniors in the social sciences, history,
journalism and public affairs.
This is an 8-week course, ending before spring vacation, so the pace
will be about twice as fast as a regular semester course. Assignments will
likely include 2 in-class exams - short essays and identifications (25%
each); a take-home final essay exam (40%); and class
attendance/participation (10%).
Readings being considered for the course:
Robert Chambers, Rural Development; Putting the Last First
Howard Wiarda, ed., Non-Western Theories of Development
UNDP, Human Development Report 1998
David Scott Palmer, ed., Shining Path of Peru
Jean Dreze & Amartya Sen, India: Economic Development &
Social Opportunity
Richard Sandbrook, The Politics of Africa's Economic
Recovery.
Kamala Markandaya, Nectar in a Sieve (novel)
Reading packet of selected articles for Y343